Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-05
THE FOURTH.
The National Holiday as CD
served in Wichita.
Picnics, Fireworks, Boat Races, BAH
Games, and a Big Time In
General at the Various
Amusement Resorts.

tt was not difficult matter yesterday to
discover that it was the Fourth OF July In
the metropolis A blind man or deaf man
would have had 10 trouble in finding out
that something extraordinary was on hand
and the people were exceedingly happy. The
anxious kid could not refrain after midnight
Sunday night from giving vent to his feel
ing by lighting explosives and carelessly
placing them at the feet of the non-suspect-
ing passsr-by The bound andfright of the lat
ter served to impress on his mind that the
Fourth had arrived. The over patriotic kid
W ould occasionally try his luck on a fire.
or acker Sunday, but always looked as
though he did not mean for it to crack so
loud and disturb the church going people
After midnight the town
was all alive to the fact of the one-hundred
and eleventh anniversary. The red eyes Of
yesterday in many instances were attributed
to the fact of loss of sleep on account of the
over joyet kids. The day found all enjoying
the many tricks that were opened up against
of it smiled all the same and took it as a
matter of fact.
For some time previous it had been urged
that some grand preparations ought to be
made for the Fourth. 1t was discussed from
several sources and the task adjudged too
onorous to be attempted. Alta late hour
few of the citizens made preparations to en-
terrain as best they could all who came to
the metropolis at the Davidson park.
1t was thought probably that the
surrounding towns might be well
represented in the city and would willingly
accept some pleasant resort.
There being no united effort for celebra-
ton several societies decided on a private
celebration. As result most of the parks
were utilized.
The early morning trains into the city were
heavily loaded with human freight The
surrounding country seemed to be unani-
mously represented judging from the people
arriving in carriages. While no general and
united preparations had been made for the
celebration it was certainly a big day. No
pounding the true greatness Of the country.
No tones were heard to tell of wrongs
that should be righted or predict
of either a downfall or con-
tinuous glorious existence of the great re-
public. 1t was day of 'see and be SEEM" a
day for general good time for visitor and
inhabitant Notwithstanding the conspicu-
GUS absence of the orator it was a great big
grand day in Wichita-a glorious celebration
day. 1t was estimated that there were in the
city at least $1,000 people from the surround
ing country. They came to see Wichita in
its greatness. 1t was suggested that if an
united effort had been made for celebration
the streets could have scarcely Accommodated
the people. AS it was the main thoroughfares
were thronged. Business in almost every de-
partment being closed the city people turned
cut almost enmasse for good time.
The day was universally respected in the
city.
The fire works at night from the various
parks and streets presented a delightful
scene. Rockets could be seen from all along
NJ ain from Oak to Williams, on Douglas,
from Hydraulic to Seneca, from Davidson's
park, Riverside park, Greiffenstein's park,
Linwood park, Hyde'S park, and from many
private residences in every section or the
city. Several balloons were sent up from
Main and Douglas. After reaching a few
hundred feet, they would start for Washing
ton territory. The keystone hour Of last
night found the persistent celebrator indus
trious in the fire works display.
The accidents during the day usually com-
mon on such occasions were happily few.
The people seemed to understand that it was
the Fourth and watched their teams accord
| ingly. The pickpockets seemed to be hap
PLY scarce as but few instances were report
ed of any attempt to get in their work.
Being the day of a general good time yes
terday will be long remembered.
GREIFFENsTEIN's PARK.
Yes terday the NJ. E. churches OF the city
STEMS park. There was the good attendance
desired and expected and the day was spent
very pleasantly.
| In the evening near O'Clock the c. 7. c.
met at the north end of the park Tables,
| benches and DANCING platform were in
waiting. The Chinese lanterns in number
were swung in the trees near and surround
ing the platform A fine spread was served al
6 o'clock. Shaw's orchestra arrived early in
the ev, ming, and discoursed music to the gay
dancers. 1t was late hour
when the club adjourned and
the event will long be remembered. One OF
| the pleasant events of the evening was the
fire works. The boys took with them near
on 500 worth of pyrotechnics.
ELpRIDGE PARK.
Quite number met at Eldridge's park
yesterday to celebrate and a pleasant time is
| reported.
RIVERSIDE.
ha Ia RI n